BY JULIEN GODMAN

This November 14, Global Detroit’s flagship event, Tapestry, is coming to the Jam Handy in Detroit– which you of course are invited to attend (and perhaps sponsor, there is still time). With the usual trimmings of good food, good music, and good people (and great networking opportunities), this year we are very pleased to welcome Michigan Poet Laureate, Nandi Comer, to the podium– to give us grounding and poetic relevance to the efforts we are all doing– building inclusive economies, and vibrant communities. 

That said, an integral element of all of us gathering once a year (besides raising General Operating money for Global Detroit– which as you know is a critical need area for most nonprofits) is to shine a major spotlight and recognition on immigrant Changemakers in Michigan. The four awards this year include, Emerging Talent, Community Entrepreneur, Corporate Leadership, and Immigrant Impact. And as a preface to recognizing these amazing Changemakers– we thought this year we’d share each of their stories individually– so you have the opportunity to better understand their unique experiences and impact, and connect to their work.

Our first interview was with Dr. Rehab Alhajjar (Ruby). She will be receiving the Emerging Talent award, which highlights not only Global Detroit’s talent programs, such as the Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, but also speaks to the importance of an entrepreneurial spirit as it relates to the growth of our economy.

Ruby is the founder and CEO of FlowShield-Nano, a startup focused on developing innovative solutions for real-time water or beverage contamination detection. With over 14 years of experience in water microbiology and nanotechnology, she is committed to creating sustainable solutions that address global water quality issues.

What challenges have you faced as an emerging talent in your field, and how have you overcome them?

“As a woman in STEM, particularly in a male-dominated space like technology commercialization, I’ve encountered unique challenges. People often attempt to control your narrative under the guise of helping your business, which can diminish your contributions. Earning my Ph.D. and founding FlowShield-Nano has given me the confidence to assert my vision and maintain ownership of my work.

 

By building the right team, seeking out mentors who genuinely respect my goals, and embracing diversity in the workplace, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. I hope my journey serves as a beacon to other women and diverse talent looking to break into these fields.”

How has being part of the Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) and the Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence (Global EIR) programs influenced your professional growth?

“The GTRI program has been essential to the growth of FlowShield-Nano, providing access to valuable resources and networks. Through the Global EIR program, I’ve significantly expanded my professional connections and gained the support necessary to accelerate my startup’s progress. These programs have not only helped with business development but have also underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity and diversity within the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems.”

How do you see your role evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to continue making?

“In the coming years, I aim to expand FlowShield-Nano while focusing on creating job opportunities in rural regions. I believe that sustainable technologies can be a catalyst for economic growth, especially in underserved areas. My goal is to empower these communities by creating jobs and fostering innovation. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for greater diversity in STEM and business leadership, as well as promoting authentic mentorship.

 

Having experienced setbacks due to a lack of genuine support from institutions, I’ve learned that finding the right mentorship is crucial. I want to ensure that future entrepreneurs, especially from diverse backgrounds, have better guidance and opportunities.”

What challenges have you encountered in promoting inclusion, and how have you overcome them?

“One of the biggest challenges in promoting inclusion has been addressing the lack of resources in rural and underserved communities, making it difficult for them to access the same opportunities as more urbanized areas. At FlowShield-Nano, we are committed to building solutions that not only address environmental issues but also drive economic and social inclusion.

 

By prioritizing diversity in both our workforce and outreach efforts, we’re working to bridge the gap between urban and rural opportunities. Additionally, I aim to inspire other women and diverse groups to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship, demonstrating that inclusion leads to innovation and lasting impact.”

If you’d like to know more about Ruby and her company, please visit https://www.flowshield-nano.com/. And if you would like to know more about any of Global Detroit’s talent programs that Ruby participated in, visit the Global EIR webpage and read our latest program impact report, visit the GTRI webpage, or email us at info@globaldetroitmi.org.